D'Alessandro
Designer Michela D'Alessandro is proof that there is great fashion talent in San Diego. Mahal Style is proud to present an interview and editorial photos exposing this femme fetale of fashion design. Originally from Chicago, D’Alessandro migrated to San Diego and took fashion design courses that taught her how to create the visions of beauty that were in her mind and how to manifest her impeccable sense of style. Please enjoy these images of model Leah Alvarez Malo floating in D’Alessandro’s confections.
A Session with Michela
Mahal Style: What was the inspiration for this series of dresses?
MD: Some years ago I spent a few months living and studying flamenco dancing in Madrid, Spain. Along with traveling the country, soaking up its culture, and a short trip to Morrocco, I drew from this unforgettable life experience, letting the culture influence this dress series.
MS: How has your past influenced your design aesthetic? For example your film education history...
MD: Everything my mind soaks up gets poured into my work. Pertaining to my sense of beauty my mother has been my most influencial guide. Ever since I can remember I have relied on my five senses for creative direction plus my intuitive sixth sense. Perhaps this explains why I fearlessly jump into all sorts of artistic mediams like dance, film, photography, set construction, theatre, cooking, you name it I've tried it. Sometimes I stick with it, sometimes I don't. Regardless, every skill I learn is another tool I use to develop my art.
MS: What do you love about fashion?
MD: Clothing has an amazing ability to transform and influence the wearer and her surroundings. It is a very powerful tool, one we can not live with out, yet is often taken for granted. Though when used to its highest potential can simply alter your experience and even change lives.
MS: Who are your ideal customers/muses?
MD: If my designs captivate and arouse your senses then it is for you.
MS: What's next for you in the fashion design world?
MD: That is a work in progress...stay tuned.
Carrascography
One of Michela's muses is photographer Kim Carrasco Villa of Carrascography who brilliantly photographed Michela's designs in the Spanish architecture of San Diego. We were thrilled to work with Kim and we are ecstatic to be able to bring her images to you. Voila!
Behind-the-scenes at Mahal Studios
Model:
Leah Alvarez MaloFashion:
Michela D'AlessandroArticle:
Kiki Smith | Nicole QuirozMakeup:
Rochelle Huynh | Michela D'AlessandroHair:
Rochelle Huynh | Kiki SmithStyling:
Kiki SmithPhotography:
Kim Carrasco Villa of Carrascography | Michela D'Alessandro | Minh HuynhPhoto Editor:
Minh Huynh
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